Netanyahu Predicts Iranian Regime’s Collapse at U.N. Assembly

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confidently foresees the downfall of Iran’s “evil regime” during a passionate speech at the United Nations on Thursday. He expressed belief that the Iranian populace would ultimately rebel against their leaders and assured that Israel would remain resilient against those striving for its destruction.

“This evil regime will fall, and we will all celebrate that day,” Netanyahu stated during his address to the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

In a striking moment, he showcased a Starlink satellite internet terminal from the podium, describing it as a tool that could counteract the Iranian government’s censorship of its citizens. “This is a communications device, Starlink, that allows people to access truth, to exercise choice, to exercise freedom of thought and freedom of speech,” he asserted.

He then cheekily offered the device to the Iranian delegation, which had already exited the hall before he began speaking. “I’m going to leave this device with you so you can give it to the Iranian delegation,” Netanyahu said. “So when they inevitably defect, they too can share their story.”

As they departed, the Iranian representatives left behind a photo of Qassem Soleimani, the fallen commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike in 2020.

In response, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon took a swipe at the situation. “It’s understandable why they left a photo of a former general,” he remarked, adding, “Photos are about all they have left of their senior generals.”

Netanyahu emphasized that Iran’s leaders fear not Israel, but rather their own citizens. “You know what they’re most afraid of? Their own people — the brave Iranian people who have sacrificed so much for so long,” he noted.

He highlighted the regime’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests earlier this year, urging both the U.N. audience and those who walked out to reflect on their silence regarding the oppression of unarmed civilians. “Where were you when the Iranian tyrants butchered and maimed tens of thousands of unarmed Iranian civilians?” he challenged.

Despite this silence, Netanyahu firmly declared that the Iranian leadership would eventually be unable to suppress their people. “The power of the people will overcome the people in power,” he insisted. He added, “One day — and it may not be far away — the Iranian people will be free. Their murderous regime will be toppled by its lies, by its corruption, by its cruelty. This evil regime will fall, and we will all celebrate that day.”

His predictions were reminiscent of his previous warnings at the U.N., recalling a speech from 14 years prior when he famously illustrated a red line to caution against allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. “I vowed to prevent Iran’s murderous dictatorship from developing atomic bombs,” he reiterated. “Nuclear weapons that could threaten the entire world. That’s exactly what I did.”

Netanyahu acknowledged that military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities were immensely challenging but emphasized it was an easy decision for him as prime minister. “Devastating Iran’s nuclear facilities was hard. It was very hard to do,” he admitted. “But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make as prime minister. Because if we hadn’t done it, we’d all be dead.”

His address coincided with a notable absence, as officials from various countries either stayed away or walked out before he spoke. Reports indicated that 77 delegations either opted out or left the hall. “If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now,” he announced.

Netanyahu accused many of these governments, who openly criticize Israel, of secretly appreciating its actions against Iran. “In defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall,” he said. He further pointed out, “Many of their leaders even thanked us privately for taking out Iran’s nukes. It’s hard to imagine more mind-blowing hypocrisy, but that’s exactly what it is.”

Continuing, Netanyahu framed the campaign against Iran as a broader victory for Israel against multiple fronts that have united against the nation following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. “For three years, seven fronts — Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iran, militias in Iraq, militias in Syria, Palestinian terrorists in Judea and Samaria — they all ganged up on us to wipe us off the face of the earth,” he remarked.

However, he asserted that they failed because, rather than succumbing, Israel dealt significant blows to all adversaries, claiming that, with support from the U.S., they managed to degrade Iran’s military capabilities.

Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump for his decisive partnership against Iran, explaining that their actions aim to protect both nations and, by extension, civilization itself. “Israel and America acted together — not only to protect ourselves, but to save civilization,” he said.

The backdrop of the speech included ongoing U.S. pressure on Tehran through military and economic means. U.S. and Iranian negotiators were reportedly discussing a phased arrangement that might see Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifted economic sanctions.

“One way forward would be to solve the crisis in stages,” a senior Iranian official shared, suggesting that ending the blockade could be the first step. Meanwhile, negotiations continued amid increasing pressure from the U.S.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary indicated that measures are in place to limit Iran’s financial resources, predicting tough times ahead for its leadership. Moreover, fresh U.S. sanctions targeting foreign firms doing business with Iran were rolled out, effectively isolating Iranian airlines from several neighboring states.

American military presence remains strong in the area, with reports highlighting the redirection of commercial vessels under U.S. protection in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials, however, continued to issue threats related to potential escalation even while negotiating in New York.

The day prior, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed a readiness for diplomacy but firmly stated that Tehran would not concede to U.S. pressure. In stark contrast, Netanyahu painted a much more optimistic outlook, reiterating his belief that Israel’s survival hinges on its willingness to confront its enemies decisively. “We’re going to win,” he concluded. “We have no other choice.”